Going Back to School

As we enter into this new school year it makes me think back of years past.  Time sure does fly by doesn't it?  I swear I just blinked and Cole was just entering First Grade and and Caden was rambunctious 3 year old driving mom nuts while she tried to work (well somethings will never change). 

The boys were ready to go when Tuesday came they were bouncing off the walls.  NO REALLY bouncing off the walls, I was thinking I needing to add some bubble wrap so they would at least bounce off with out hurting something ... or wait I mean themselves. HEHE as you know I find that humor makes the days go instead of tears.

We hit up great stores like Staples to get us prepared for the LONG list that was given to us for our community supplies.  It's funny even when I was away in Canada all the commercials I saw were reminding me that I needed to go school shopping.  But it did ease my mind that Staples was showing that they had GREAT deals.  I mean who wants to break the bank when you send the kids back.  I almost had to take out a second mortgage to pay for the clothes. THEN you tell me I need to buy enough supplies for the whole class.  Thank God we hit the sales and walked out with out that second mortgage .. lol.

And since the throw back pictures are all the rage and I'm such a trend setter. Said the girl who so has a pair of doc martins from Jr. High hoping that the trend will cycle back .. yeah good luck on that.  I had to pull out the photos of the boys from a few years back.  Cole was just entering into Kindergarten and the little monster was 3 years old.  REMEMBER I work from home and a 3 year old at home with me makes for crazy arm waving mom.  You know while I'm on a call for work and covering my mic hoping that will make him be quiet. YUP I am one woman show of jokes.

See this cute little thing was what would roll (yes roll) by me as I would be working.

I'm so excited Staples has asked us to spread the word about going back to school in style but NOT breaking the bank.  We will be showing off our new backpacks and a Kindle Fire the kids and tutor are excited to read some new books on.  Shout out to Dad for the Amazon Prime that will allow us some awesome books to read.  I wanted to give you a little teaser to lead up to the dramatic post (ok in my head it is always fabulous written with no run on sentences .. but hey at least I go out with a bang).

Thank you again Staples for the amazing opportunity to spread the word.

Disclosure – The product featured in this review was provided to me free of charge, by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

PowerRocks Review (Preview of what is to come)

I'm so excited to be able to try out the Powerocks Magic Stick.  You would think with all the devices in this house and the number of charges I have that I would always have a full battery on my phone or iPad.  But of course not with kids things disappear like cords or the plug in to the cord.  I am constantly running around, looking up beds and drawers to find a cord or the missing link to my world .. LOL.

I was so excited to get a email asking me if I wanted to try out the Magic Stick.  I've been reading about them on other blogs and reviews.  I love they are small and portable.  I can hide it in my purse where no one in the house will look.

They come in cool colors!  I of course asked for the hot pink one to be sent to me.  Of course with that color none of the boys will take it (well it's a thought at least). They have a handy USB port for quick charging, when fully charged it will give you two full charges for your unit.  They are compatible with Apple, Samsung, LG, Motorola, Blackberry, Amazon, HTC, Nokia, Soy, Kyocera and more!

Wait for my review when mine arrives and I give you all the details and of course some pictures!

I was not paid for this review these are my opinions and experiences, I received products to try and to tell how I liked them. No monetary or any other form of compensation was given to me. I review products free of charge to give my experience and opinion.

How to prepare to a treat for a party

As most of you know I love to make gifts as in the edible kind for friends, family … heck people that are nice to me may get a special treat.

So I’ve been asked how I do my shopping, plan etc.  So here is how the rat race I call life as a working mom and trying to keep my super cape flying high!

Since working from home we had to cut back on a few things to make it possible.  The first thing I started to do was meal planning, which helps me running around like a chicken w/no head and it helps eliminate many trips to the grocery store which saves money!

First I make my meal plan which I do by searching blogs and a few favorite recipe sites to find what we will be having for that week. I then make my list (I found it’s easier to make it in groups so I can run threw the store faster … two kids + 1mom need I say more), I find any coupons I need and do my weekly shopping trip.

For Holiday seasons I do the same and last year I even found a few low calorie ones to help us keep with our eating healthy.  Safeway is one of my favorite places to shop and try to hit it up a few times a month (the fuel credit of 10 cents off is a good bonus).

Working in marketing for years I am extra observant of placement of items, and things that catch my eye or even more catch the boys eyes that we MUST have (as you’ll see the ice cream in our cart, caught Caden’s eye .. ok maybe mom’s too).  We love to do things for each season/holiday so we’ll usually pick up what ever promotional thing is on sale to make as a family.

I’ve found Safeway to be comparable on my baking products, like any store you have to watch because some may be cheaper elsewhere but that is where coupons and planning your trip comes in handy.

As mentioned above and for you who read my blog know I love to bake holiday and heck any time of the year.   Especially during holidays it’s over drive here I like to make SEVERAL different treats.  I like to try different things each year and throw in the some of the same staples like peanut brittle and caramels.  Baking is a joy to me and bring something special and maybe unexpected to someone brings a smile to my face.

On this last trip to Safeway I picked up the makings for some holiday fudge, some cookie mix for the molasses cookies and some puff pastry to make some apple pies.  The fudge was a new recipe I thought I’d try and the molasses cookies have Box tops which I collect for Cole’s school (and you all know how competitive I am with that).

Now for the fun part the pictures and the recipe!  You get to see my helper Caden and my shopping cart where we then moved to come home and make the treats.  THEN quickly pack them up and give to the neighbor so mom doesn’t eat it all!

Things I found you need to do for this recipe:

I used a Silicone pan, if you use aluminum foil DON'T use the cheap kind it sticks.  ALSO do the chocolate in 1 min increments it can burn (Remember my picture of burnt chocolate it stinks and you waste it) and don't put vanilla in early it changes the properties & won't come out right.

My task was to find Christmas baking items, but sadly my store only had Halloween up.  So I decided that my Christmas Fudge would be easy to make with what I found in the baking isle.

“This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias.  Feel free to add any additional wording you would like such as “all opinions are my own”

My Baby Clothes Boutique $25 GC Giveaway

As you may have noticed I don’t do many reviews and giveaways anymore.  I love to test out products but I want to make sure when I do post it’s done with my full effort.  I know I may be crazy but when I do a review it takes time and to write about it can take me an hour or so, I don’t just shove up pics and call it a day.

So know that you have the back story you know that when I’m posting about a company it’s one that I really care about and like.  I’ve had the pleasure to work with My Baby Clothes Boutique in the past.  They have the most adorable clothes and they now have expanded their size to go up to 4T which is perfect since my youngest Caden is now in that size. 

We were sent the cutest outfit ever that we wore for Easter. This outfit was so cute and light weight, not heavy and bulky like other ones I’ve put on him which drive him nuts.  Plus it was easy to clean, so that makes mom happy too!  Doesn’t he look like such a handsome young man in his outfit!  Yes I’m a proud mama .

My baby Clothes Boutique is a great website with clothes for boys and girls with prices that won’t break your bank!

Now not only do they have baby clothes, but adorable Baby Headbands, Baby Hats and for you lucky ones with a little girl Tutus!!!  Man if I would get odd looks I so would wear a Tutu!  Well there was a girl at the gym that was wearing a shirt that had bells on it, but come to think of it she did get odd looks, ok I’ll leave it to the little girls. 

WIN IT: Now the fun part you can win a $25 Gift card to use yourself!!!

ENTER: MANDATORY ENTRY BEFORE EXTRAS – Head over to My Baby Clothes Boutique and tell me what you might buy with your $25 GC.

EXTRA ENTRIES (Leave 1 extra comment per each)

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11. Tweet this (you can click retweet, can be done once a day)  or use: Head over to Running away? I'll help you pack! for a My Baby Clothes Boutique $25 GC Giveaway http://bit.ly/m7GwXd

Roundabout Cupcake Sleeve Review

As most of you know I'm a nut about themes. I love to throw theme kids parties, heck if I could do it I would do an adult one (note to self need more friends). So let's just say when I saw a review on cupcake sleeves by Roundabouts I just had to see if I could test them out! They have some of the coolest designs I have ever come across!

As most of you know I'm a HUGE Beatles fan.

I so want to do this for my dad!

Yellow Submarine!

Oh yes and for next Christmas

I've seen the popcorn one done on a few blogs and LOVED that look, I will have to do that one for our next movie night at the school! I ended up doing the gumball machine one, that the kids just loved! We ended up taking them to a super bowl party and they were the talk of the night. Even one of our family members made it for her daughters birthday party!

The sleeves are inexpensive, easy to put on and will make a boring cupcake to a whole new level yes the WOW factor you want at a party or any event. I am one of those people who love's taking a treat to someone house. The best is when you walk in with something that nobody has seen before or are just amazed at them. It makes you feel a little special plus the host of the event too.

BUY: Head over to Roundabout Sleeves to check out all the different styles they have to over. I promise you may be there awhile trying to figure out the best one to pick. For $8.99 you get 12 sleeves (Less then 75 cents a cupcake) and you can be the talk of the party ... In a good way :).

Check out me and Cole making our Gumball Machines:

What you get:

Thank you again to Roundabouts for this awesome product, I will be back for a few parties we have coming up!

Disclosure – The product featured in this review was provided to me free of charge, by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

For those who want to know the recipe I used for the cupcakes:

iCaughtSanta.com Photo (5 Winners)

Do you realize that tomorrow is Christmas Eve?? I know it is throwing me into a tailspin right now. Guess who comes to visit on Christmas Eve? You know it Santa does! All the stockings are hung and ready to be filled by a special visitor! Need a little proof for the little ones? I have just the right thing for you!

I have had the BEST time finding the perfect Santa photo for the boys. It was so easy I took a picture of the place "where" Santa will visit. Like in front of the stockings or in front of the tree? Santa always fills the stockings at our house and leaves one unwrapped gift for the kids. Since the kids were up I picked the empty stockings to take my shot (yes I even remembered to turn off the tv to get the whole effect.

I then uploaded my photo to iCaughtSanta.com and got to work. The only hard part was picking the pose for Santa and the boarder I wanted! They have 20 (YES I said 20 different poses) of Santa to choose from. From bending down, to saluting, reading a book, feet to be coming out of the chimney and even one of him sleeping :).

For $9.99 you have a memory that will last a lifetime along with making the little ones day when they wake up to find that photo out. I can't wait for the boys to see it I know they will be so excited. And get this they even make a video with your shot in the background and Santa moving around the still background. Yup you got it, it's like you set a camera up to catch him in the act! For an additional $4.99 you can purchase the video, you know I'm so getting that also!

Now you picked your Santa pose, your boarder and you've paid. Next is to print it out, you don't have a printer at home? No problem they actually have a button that will send it to your local Walgreens (1 hr photo)! Yup how could we make it any easier ....

WELL ... FIVE of my lucky readers will win a code for one free print ($9.99 value). And just because we want everyone to have this for Christmas morning I have a coupon code also!!! At Check out enter the Code: MOM for 25% off your order!

And for you who like other holidays with a photo they have Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy & Cupid!!! Oh WAIT for you Lady Gaga fans they have a special Lady Gaga & Santa :).

BUY IT: Pick up your own for $9.99 (get 3 more characters at anytime for $10). USE Code MOM for 25% off your order!

WIN IT: The FIRST 5 (FIVE) people to comment with "I Want to Win" will win a free photo!

Disclosure – The product featured in this review was provided to me free of charge, by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Time to Keep Your Tummy Warm!

I've shown you how to make your toes and hand warm it's time to show you how to keep your tummy warm! Now you know who you are the people who love to play or work outside in all weather conditions. The thing about being outside for a long period of time you can either become chilly or overheated. Having a beverage on hand is a must! To keep your item hot or cold is something that is hard to find. Well hold on I have found Thermos that can keep your item at the right temperature for 24 hours. Then the fun part you get to pick a design, the only thing that is hard is there is so MANY to choose from. It may take you a while but you will find exactly what you want or for the person you're buying for.

Some fun facts:

• TherMax® double-wall vacuum insulation helps retain temperature
• Keeps beverages hot or cold for 24 hours
• convenient twist & pour stopper for easy serving
• 4.3 W x 4.2 D x 12.3 H
• Unbreakable 18/8 stainless steel interior & exterior
• Made by Thermos®
• Hand wash only

When it's cold outside:

Make yourself something warm!

BUY IT: Head over to Cafe Press for this Eco-Friendly bottle that keeps 34 oz (hot or cold). $36. (HINT - Upgrade now on Premium Shipping. Take $15 off a $75 order)

Disclosure – The product featured in this review was provided to me free of charge, by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Of course a recipe to go with your new Thermos!

Candy Cane Cocoa Mix

• 1 1/3 cups nonfat dry milk powder
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup sugar free peppermint candy, coarsely crushed
• Splenda sugar substitute (optional)
• peppermint stick candy, optional garnish

1. 1In a food processor stir together dry milk powder, cocoa powder.
2. 2Process until well blended.
3. 3Stir in the crushed candies.
4. 4FOR EACH SERVING:.
5. 5Place 2 Tbsp (or as much as you like) mix in a mug.
6. 6Gradually add 1 cup boiling water, stirring constantly until crushed candy melts.

A Gift to Keep a Loved One Toasty (or of course yourself) ....

Do you know someone how works outside year round? Or heck even when taking the dog for a walk I need a little warmth. Oh yes there are you NUTTY people that think snow is fun and actually spend hours out playing in it, yes I think you're all crazy. I would be in the lodge with my hot cocoa! But for all you that either are outside or know someone that does I have the perfect stocking stuffer for you to pick up! HeatMax has so many options that can fit anyones needs. They have these great little toasti toes that come in a small size that last up to 6 Hours and a large insole size that last up to 9 Hours! Yup those are for those crazy people that are out there for hours :). My dad is the perfect person for this stocking stuffer, he's always out side tinkering on the hottub or his smoke house. And for us who like to keep our hands warm you can get hand warmers that last up to 10 Hours that can fit in your gloves! Oh yes now that is what I'm talking about when I go outside to watch the kids play in the snow ... or while I wait for the car to warm up to take Cole to school. But wait I have one more and you know why I love this one it LAST up to 18 Hours!!!! Oh yes it's perfect it's larger and can keep your hands & Body warm. Yup I found a winner!

So When it looks like this outside:

Stock up for yourself and loved ones with these!

You all know you need a few extra gifts to fill the stocking! For around $2 you can make someone's day warm and in my life that means the world! Coming from the girl that always sleeps with long johns :). Now don't waste a moment head over and pick up some Hand Warmers & Foot Warmers!!

Disclosure – The product featured in this review was provided to me free of charge, by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Toasty Feet Make me do a Happy Feet Dance!

It's chilly out there did you get the memo? I didn't and then all of a sudden I'm looking for wool socks and a blanket. The only thing about my wool socks is they get a little bulky and in the way. What was I thinking? When I worked at a normal office they paid the heat bill ... hehe now I work from home and I pay the bill so me being cheap looks for things to keep me warm that won't cost me an arm and a leg. I was super excited when I came across a Under Desk Heater that fit perfect for my needs. This is perfect gift for anyone with a home office. It fit nicely under my desk (uh hum ... after I actually cleaned under there) and plugged it in (flipped the on switch) and I tada toasty toes! The nice thing about it is if your feet get too warm you just either flip the switch or take them off the pad. No pulling on and off the socks and trying to find the one the dog wandered off with (hehe).

And now Rick isn't worried I may burn the house down with my space heater (that I always forgot to turn off). Get this it even lowers your energy cost, yes I'm all about the money saving tips! Plus nothing is better then running your feet on carpet that is warm!!! No home office? Well think of those poor people that work on concrete floors! Yup no matter what time of the year that floor is cold, and with the dual heat control you can use the lower setting during the summer months.

When it looks like this outside!

Be warm like this inside!!

Head over to WarmlyYours to check out the warming pad along with other awesome things like floor heating for Hardwood! And for you who get slammed hard with snow they even have items for driveways, walkways and Stairs!

Oh yes we can be like the rich and famous with out paying those prices!

Disclosure – The product featured in this review was provided to me free of charge, by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Get to Moving with PS2

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of PlayStation MOVE. All opinions are 100% mine.

I'm rubbing my magic bottle for the genie to pop out and bring us the new PlayStation®Move so I can so rock family game night. I'm so excited to play the game Start the party and of course I almost flipped when I saw Tron. Come on you all know we so loved that movie back in 1982 oh yes I just dated us all :).

We all need to add a little exercise in our daily routine. No more gaming thumbs boys you can't use that excuse anymore. I'm so glad that video games have gone to a new level, no more sitting in front of the TV for hours. You know have to get up and be part of the game! I was not allowed video games when I was for this simple reason my parents didn't want me to just sit in front of the TV for hours (did I mention I was a chunky kid?). I'm excited to say my parents now even have a game center that makes you get up and move ... yup we've come a long way baby in my childhood home.

Already have the PlayStation®3 you can add the Move bundle package for only $99! Oh yes guess what is on my Christmas list this year! Get your bum off the couch and move!! No more excuses about not getting to the gym or no money or time to work out. You can easily do it at your home, with no one watching or the hunky guy giving you funny looks. Get to moving!!!

Lunch Price's Got you Down?? (Review)

When I worked out of the home I use to eat out a lot, then I started adding up what the cost was. I couldn't get over the $6 a day which didn't seem like a lot but then I thought that is $30 a week then $120 a month! Now I work from home and have cut out my lunch budget, but I still have lovely Rick who spends $6 to $8 a day. The math doesn't seem to faze him, believe me I can go blue talking to him about it.

My mom on the other hand takes her lunch every day. Now the brown paper Starbucks bag she takes every day is great but not very environmentally friendly. I just knew when Simply Bags contacted me I would make my mom smile. They have the cutest bags to choose from Lunch Cooler bags to Fabric Lunch Bags. Mom works in a warehouse with no refrigerators, so either she packs items that are not needing to be kept cold or have a bag that keeps them cold. I picked a Lunch Cooler bag in the Personalized Lunch Bag section.

Mom has a great playful sense to her so I picked out this bag that has white poka dots w/ her nick name stitched in pink. Cole called her from the beginning Monnie and it has just stuck. You should have seen the smile I got when I gave it too her! She called me after work today to gush about her new bag and how many compliments she got. Love being the bringer of a smile!

Stop the craziness of running on your lunch break to get a bite to eat. Not only are you picking up unhealthy food items, your wasting your lunch hour running around and waiting in lines and think of the extra $100+ you could have to buy a new pair of shoes ... what I'm a girl :).

BUY IT: Simply Bags prices range from $27.99 to $33.99 heck that is one week of eating out! Yes that means it will pay for itself in the first week, how often can you say that? The bag is well made and made to last. You will enjoy these bags for a very long time.

Disclosure – The product featured in this review was provided to me free of charge, by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Miniatures (Review)

Can you tell I'm jonesing to go to a movie, not for the movie but for the movie candy!! A rare and yummy treat is the Cookie Dough miniatures, they are my all time favorite. Let's just say the two boxes that were sent to me to review didn't last long around here. Love this treat and I didn't have to make a mess in my kitchen for some cookie dough! Plus these don't have egg in them so my grandmother's voice in my head about worms in my tummy won't be the case!

For those who are like me yet again that movie watching is at home with DVD's stock up on some treats. Now in my house I would have to find a hiding spot from myself since I love to eat them!!

Made with REAL butter (no hydrogenated oil) and REAL brown sugar. They come in 1.75 single bag or my favorite the 3.5 oz Theater box or 5.0 Peg Bag! Oh yes these could be my new obsession!

BUY IT: Pick one, two or a dozen at Candy by the Box.

Disclosure – The product featured in this review was provided to me free of charge, by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Sour Jacks Watermelon Candies (Review)

Looking for a great tasty fat free snack? I have had the opportunity to try Sour Jacks Watermelon chewy candies. They were great, well the few I got to eat before little Cole took them one night into his bedroom and finished up the pack. Yup my little man who sneaks food, we're working on him :).

The candies weren't overally sour like some I've tried in the past. The watermelon flavor was great and not over powering at all.

We don't have candy in the house too often since mom is a can't stop snacking kind of girl. These could be dangerous due to I just want to keep going and not stop. I've seen these at most grocery and drug stores. Along with you lucky people that go to the movies you can always pick up a pack there. For us who don't get out, we pick up a pack and watch DVD's at home :).

BUY IT: Check out this flavor and others plus some fun games at Sour Jacks.

Disclosure – The product featured in this review was provided to me free of charge, by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

JumpStart Get Moving Family Fitness (Review)

I must apologize for the delay on this review, with summer time we haven't been in side to use the Wii for games, now that it has cooled down we have found more things to do inside. Also with the cold weather means not a lot of running around outside for the boys, we live in Washington Cooler weather is raining time!

We love the Wii and to have a game that actually gets the kids up and moving (no pun was not intended) is the best. The best part is it has a 2 player setting, now Caden is not really an expert at the Wii but he did get the hang of it. Cartoon Brooke Burke leads the kids threw the different activities, but as Cole informed me he could figure it out on his own he didn't need that lady. And true to his word he did figure it out actually pretty quickly.

Cole thought this was pretty cool since I do the EA sports and his "work-out" has some of the similar games. This is a great game to put on when he gets home from school, he can run out the last of his pent up energy while I get dinner ready.

This Wii game loads a LOT faster and seems to be smoother then the previous Jumpstart Wii game we reviewed. We have no complaints about this game and who can complain with something the kids like that actually is good for them. Jumpstart is always a great brand that you know you can trust to give your kids a headstart with an educational value.

Thank you again to Jumpstart for the opportunity to try out another great product my boys love and I know is helping them at the same time! Don't forget to check out their website for some great School Starting Deals!

BUY IT: Pick up the JumpStart Get Moving Family Fitness for $29.99, hours of fun for until $30 is amazing!!

Disclosure – The product featured in this review was provided to me free of charge, by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Tuesday Recipes ~ POM Wonderful Day!!!

I've been dying ok so jealous of everyone who has been reviewing P♥M Wonderful. My parents always have it around the house but you think they would share .. no way! So when my package arrived in the mail I was so excited to try it out. But then what should I make, who knew it could be so difficult to pick one recipe! So of course I picked two :), so far that is!

First for summer time this was the perfect recipe, plus you know my love of bananas!

P♥M Banana Freeze found on the P♥M website

Ingredients:

• juice from 2-3 large POM Wonderful Pomegranates,* or cup POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice
• cup arils from 1 large POM Wonderful Pomegranate
• 3 ripe bananas
• cup simple syrup**
• 4 plastic freezer cups
• 4 plastic spoons

Preparation:

• 1. Score 1 fresh pomegranate and place in a bowl of water. Break open the pomegranate under water to free the arils (seed sacs). The arils will sink to the bottom of the bowl and the membrane will float to the top. Sieve and put the arils in a separate bowl. Reserve cup of the arils from fruit and set aside. (Refrigerate or freeze remaining arils for another use.)
• 2. Prepare fresh pomegranate juice.*
• 3. Prepare simple syrup.**
• 4. Put all ingredients except the arils in a food processor and process until smooth.
• 5. Stir in arils.
• 6. Divide mixture evenly among the cups and freeze slightly.
• 7. Insert a plastic spoon into the center of each cup to be used as a stick.
• 8. Freeze until solid.

ALEXIS NOTES: I just used the juice, I couldn't find the fruit for the life of me. I must have made it too sticky or not cool enough they didn't come out clean or on the stick. But who cares they still tasted WONDERFUL!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My second was a treat for the neighbors (if your reading this they will be coming over soon). The boys were my testers :). So I found two recipes on their website that I used together. I loved the cupcakes but wanted to try the frosting from another :).

P♥M Chocolate Cupcakes with P♥M Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

Cupcakes:
• juice from 23 large POM Wonderful Pomegranates,* or 1 cup POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water, heated to boiling
• cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons vinegar (not wine vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla

Preparation:

Prepare garnish Score 12 fresh pomegranates and place in a bowl of water, break open the pomegranates under water to free the arils (seed sacs), the arils will sink to the bottom of the bowl and the membrane will float to the top, sieve and put the arils in a separate bowl, reserve 1 cup of the arils from fruit and set aside, (refrigerate or freeze remaining arils for another use), prepare fresh pomegranate juice*, preheat oven to 350F with rack in the center, place a paper baking cup in each of 24 regular sized muffin cups, whisk together the dry ingredients to combine well, in a large measuring cup, combine pomegranate juice and boiling water, add oil, vinegar and vanilla to the pomegranate juice mixture, add to the flour mixture all at once and whisk to combine (batter will be lumpy), divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups (about half full), bake 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean and free of crumbs, let cool. Frost with pomegranate chocolate or vanilla cream cheese frosting and decorate with arils.

P♥M Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

• juice from 3-4 large POM Wonderful Pomegranates,* or 1-1/2 cups POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice
• 1 cup arils from 1-2 large POM Wonderful Pomegranates
• 4 oz. soft unsalted butter
• 8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
• 14 oz. powdered sugar

Preparation:

Prepare fresh pomegranate juice*, score 1-2 fresh pomegranates and place in a bowl of water, break open the pomegranates under water to free the arils (seed sacs), the arils will sink to the bottom of the bowl and the membrane will float to the top, sieve and put the arils in a separate bowl. Reserve 1 cup of the arils from fruit and set aside, (refrigerate or freeze remaining arils for another use), reduce the pomegranate juice, over low heat, down to 3 fl. oz., Allow to cool, place butter into electric mixer bowl with paddle attachment and cream on medium-high speed for 1 minute, add the cream cheese and continue to mix for 2 more minutes, turn the speed down to low and slowly add in the powdered sugar and the pomegranate juice reduction, mix until the sugar is fully combined, remove icing from the mixer and place into a piping bag with a round or star tip.

ALEXIS NOTES: Again I didn't have the fruit just used the juice which was great, I found it was a little liquid so I had to add extra powder sugar and it was a little off in color so I added a little food coloring to be pinker :). I found it had to be put in the fridge to firm up a little.

Hope you enjoy pick up a BIG bottle of P♥M Wonderful to try out some great recipes!

I was not paid for this review these are my opinions and experiences, I received products to try and to tell how I liked them. No monetary or any other form of compensation was given to me. I review products free of charge to give my experience and opinion.

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